1998

In 1998, Maria and Salvatore's marriage is at rock bottom with the two not getting along and living separately, while Maria had become addicted to drugs. She had also begun to cheat on Salvatore, including with Biker leader Cedric "Wayne" Fotheringay, something that Salvatore was well aware of and often used in arguments. She attempted to sell Leone Family secrets to Ned Burner through e-mails, although the two never reached an agreement on a price. Toni Cipriani is assigned to chaperone her, often resulting in Toni rescuing her from trouble, including: helping her after she robbed three local stores, 'winning' her in a street race, killing Fortheringay after he attacked her, and saving her life after she overdosed. She shows romantic feelings toward Toni, who constantly declines her requests, although it takes a realisation that Toni has no money before she decided to stay with Salvatore: "I'm Salvatore's girl! He's loaded!"

Life until 2001

In 2001 she remains married to Salvatore Leone and has seemingly moved back in with him, although their relationship is remained at rock bottom, with Maria only remaining with Salvatore for his money. She is introduced to Claude, who she calls "Fido", by Salvatore who asks him to chaperone her for an evening. Maria, still addicted to drugs, has Claude take her to drug dealer Chico, who informed her of an illegal party at a warehouse in Atlantic Quays. Claude took her to the party and successfully managed to return her to Salvatore's home after being chased by the Liberty City Police Department. Maria later tells Salvatore that she and Claude had entered into a relationship, resulting in Salvatore attempting to kill Claude with a bomb-laden car. Maria, however, paged Claude and had him meet her at a small dock in Callahan Point. She introduced Claude to her old friend Asuka Kasen and the three fled to Staunton Island.

Personality

Maria is secure about her looks, although she has no control over herself, using drugs (and at one point almost overdosing) and spending a lot of Salvatore's money. Despite her ability to get money, she also shoplifts, leaving the trouble to either Salvatore or Toni Cipriani. She is also very dominating, a nymphomaniac, and perceives Salvatore's most trusted henchmen as lapdogs that do her bidding, calling them "fido" (as is the case with Claude in GTA III and Toni Cipriani in GTA Liberty City Stories).

Trivia

Maria can be heard of Chatterbox FM in Grand Theft Auto III discussing Claude, stating that "he don't talk too much". This appearance appears throughout the game, including before she meets Claude and after her possible death, due to the radio stations being played on a loop.

Maria holds an interest in leopard skin furniture, which she references on Chatterbox FM in GTA III and is evident in her clothing in GTA Liberty City Stories.